Flyers to Induct Lindros, LeClair, Desjardins into Hall of Fame

The Flyers announced today that they will induct Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Eric Desjardins into the Flyers Hall of Fame during the 2014-15 season.

Lindros and LeClair will be inducted on Thursday, November 20 prior to the team’s game against the Minnesota Wild, while Desjardins will join the group with a ceremony before the Thursday, February 19 game against the Buffalo Sabres.

"It's exciting to welcome Eric Desjardins, Eric Lindros and John LeClair into the Flyers Hall of Fame," said Flyers Chairman Ed Snider in the press release. "All three players helped define our teams in the 90s and early 2000s that went to a combined four Eastern Conference Finals and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 1997. This honor is well deserved."

All three players were members of the 1997 Flyers team that lost to the Detroit Red Wings in 1997. They were all integral parts of the Flyers success in the 90's, which has resulted in continued success for a franchise constantly focused on winning.

Lindros and LeClair were members of the infamous Legion of Doom line, that also featured Mikael Renberg.

Lindros was acquired from the Quebec Nordiques in the blockbuster deal that sent Ron Hextall, Steve Duchene, Kerry Huffman, Peter Forsberg, Mike Ricci and $15 million.

Lindros is a potential future Hall of Famer in the NHL. He appeared in 486 games for the Flyers over eight seasons, rising to fifth on the club’s all-time scoring list with 290 goals and 369 assists for 659 points.

"I am honored to be inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame, a hall full of diversity,” Lindros said. “What made this news even more special is to hear that I will be entering alongside John who I had the good fortune of playing with for most of my time in Philly. I look forward to seeing old friends and to be back in the Wells Fargo Center alongside the Flyer Faithful."

LeClair and Desjardins were acquired by the Flyers from the Montreal Canadiens on February 9, 1995, along with Gilbert Dionne, in exchange for Mark Recchi and a third-round pick in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft.

LeClair recorded 333 goals and 310 assists for 643 points in 649 games over 10 seasons. He is one of only two Flyers, along with Tim Kerr, ever to post 50 or more goals in three or more consecutive seasons.

"I'm very excited and very honored," LeClair said. "The time I spent in Philadelphia was just terrific, and the experiences I had playing in the city and with the fans were some of the most exciting moments."

Desjardins is considered one of the greatest defensemen to play for the Flyers. He is one of the highest-scoring defensemen in Flyers history, recording 396 points (93 G, 303 A) over 738 career games to rank second in franchise history among blueliners in goals, assists and points, behind only Mark Howe.

“This means a lot to me,” Desjardins said. “After spending so many years with the Flyers and being retired for almost nine years now, it’s a great feeling. It is something you don’t think about when you are playing but once you’re retired and an honor like this happens, it is very special.”